The Dickinson press., 1887-04-02
A FIRST NIGHT AUDIENCE.
he Crowd at Parisian Theatre.A
Position in SociefY.


The audience at a first night considers the
theatre as the house of friend by whom
they are invited for the evening. They appear
in full dress, and as late as possible, so as not
to be the first to arrive, exchange salutations
with the other visitors, shake hands right
and lett and spend the evening in trying to
cut good figure and 10 chat with everybody
all round. I'VE professional critic whispers
little sarcasms into A;s neighbor's ear, the
friend of the author alnuses himself by re-
peating all the points and bons mots of the
piece before they are OIL the stage, thus spoil
ing their effect Gentlemen pay visits to
ladies i'll their boxes, discussing the latest
news and epigrams; the gallery-which does
not form part of the "society"-looks down
upon the assembly through opera glasses, in
order to SEQ all notorious persons as accu-
rately as possible and to observe how they
gcsticulate, dress, slnilc cat sweets, with
whom they are acquainted and to whom they
are polite or intimate. 1t is an incessant
whisper and murmur and giggle; sometimes
tragic scene is spoiled by a sudden loud and
indiscreet laugh, or the most comic scene is
lost because whole row of spectators have
suddenly become solemn and serious in con-
sequence of the news of death or other acci-
dent which has just been announced. Every
body is busily engaged in taking care Of
himself and everybody else, in presenting
himself iii the most favorable light to the
curious ane. tho humble, and tho curtain falls
without any spectator, except the critics,
having taken tho slightest notice of what was
said or done on the stage.
1t is an important part of the perfect Par
isian's education to know the whole audience,
barring the galleries. of tho first nights by
name, rank, character, and possibly also the
pecuniary state and politics OF eucll person
present Thus the social Importance of the
first night is oasily explained. To be known
is the great object of innumerable individuals
Of n great town, and to attain this object is
tho greatest victory which cam be gained in
the metropolitan fight for existence. And if
once II man has succeeded in being among tho
number of constant visitors on first nights he
has emerged from tho darkness Il
In order to become habitle, rank, money or
great influence is necessary. 1t may be pos
sible to get, without great difficulties, n sin
gle seat at II single first night, but this insures
by no means the advantages arising from the
regular attendance at all first representations
The advantages are only secured after name
has been entered into the fcuille du service
dcs premiercs Mt every fashionable theatre,
which is the register containing the name of
every person entitled to be present ut first
nights.
The fueille du service is tho golden book
of Paris society. To bo entered into this list
is tho price which is given for any great sue
cess. He who succeeds i'll making all Paris
talk of him for moment becomes at once tho
recipient of premiere cards. Tho member of
the institute; the author whose book has
mado sensation; the eminent traveller; the
lawyer who had been engaged ina great case;
the architect who has completed n largo cdi-
flee; tho "grnnd prix" of tho salon; tho poll
tician whom events have thrown into tho
foreground; the officer whose past is marked
by feat of vnlor; neither of these need apply
for tickets, for they will DO offered to them
But those by Whose presence the director of
the theatre does not feel specially honored,
must be ready to pay heavily for having
their nalne put Oh the list.-Pall Mall Ga
fa